The Hurricanes have handed Conrad Smith the captain's armband ahead of the 2012 Super Rugby season.

The Wellington franchise oversaw a huge clearout over the close-season with the likes of Piri Weepu, Ma'a Nonu and Aaron Cruden all leaving to pastures new but Mark Hammett has opted to named World Cup winner Smith as his captain for the new season. Victor Vito was another option for the captaincy - after he filled the role late last year - but Hammett has opted for Smith's vast experience.

"Conrad is hugely excited about the role," Hammett said. "During the World Cup I wanted to obviously give him some space, but even during the tournament he was texting and calling to talk about next year's campaign.

"He is focused on doing something special as captain and for this team.

"We see Victor as a leader and when I spoke to him I told him he is still one of our captains in this team, but in terms of leading the campaign and the media side of it Conrad will be that person for a combination of reasons."